Abscess: A collection of
neutrophils in the
epidermis, hair follicles, eccrine glands, dermis or subcutaneous
tissue.

Acanthosis: Increased thickness of the spinous layer of the
epidermis as a result of an increase in number or size (or both) of the
epidermal cells. Seen in psoriasis, epidermal nevus etc.

Acanthosis
nigricans:Acanthosis nigricans
is a skin disorder characterised by thickening, pigmentation and a
fine or rough velvety appearance, particularly over body folds. It can be
caused by a variety of causes.

Acne :
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the pilo(hair)-sebaceous unit of the skin
causing pimples called black heads and white heads.

Allergen ( Syn.Antigen) Any substance , called antigen, which when
introduced into the body, produces
allergic reactions through Immunoglobulin E (IgE) formation.

Allergy: A term covering immune reactions to antigens,
which leads to inflammation and other local and systemic adverse effects.

Alternative medicine:
Systems of medicine other than the
modern medicine. Most of them have no
scientific basis and survive on the
psychosomatic basis of diseases.

Anthralin:
A substance that is used in topical
treatment of psoriasis. It can be used
in conjunction with phototherapy.

Anthrax : The name "anthrax" comes from the
Greek word for
"coal". This
refers to the typical, characteristic black crust on the skin lesions
caused by anthrax bacillus. This lesion is known as the "Malignant
Pustule".

Antibody:
A type of protein, called an immunoglobulin,
which is produced in response to a specific
antigen; to destroy or interact with the
antigen. This is the defense mechanism of
the body.

Antigen:
A substance, usually a protein, which causes the formation of an antibody
and produces an allergic immune response in
the body. They are called immunogens when
they trigger immune response, or haptens
when they do not.

Antigen-presenting cell (APC): A special type of cell, with a
cell surface major histocompatibility
complex molecules known as HLA , which receive, process and present antigens
to the helper T cells. Macrophage and dendritic cells,
langerhans cells etc are examples of antigen presenting cells.

Antigen receptor: The antigen-binding receptor on T or B
lymphocytes.

Aphthous
Ulcer: Also known as Canker Sore or recurrent aphthous
stomatiti. It is a common disorder, characterized by recurrent, painful
ulceration of the oral mucosa.

Arthritis, psoriatic: is a specific type of arthritis,
which is usually associated with psoriasis. It
causes pain and inflammation in and around the
joints.

Athletes
Foot : Athlete's
Foot is a superficial fungal infection of the feet also known as Tinea
pedis. It is a common infection during summer months in tropical
climates and also in monsoon period when the feet are always
wet.

Atopic dermatitis (Syn. Atopic eczema): An allergic skin disorder
that is characterized by itching, scaling, thickening of the skin, and
usually located on the face, elbows, knees, and arms. An immune mediated
illness, which usually starts in early childhood.

Atrophy, epidermal: Thinning of the
epidermis due to decrease in size of spinous cells. Rete ridges are
flattened and dermal papillae are obliterated. Seen in lichen sclerosus et
atrophicus, discoid lupus erythematosus etc. Also seen in skin treated with
topical corticosteroids.

Auspitz sign:
When the scales are scrapped off the skin, fine
bleeding points become visible, this is known as Auspitz Sign and is diagnostic of psoriasis.

Autoimmunity (Syn.autoallergy): An allergic immune response to
'self' tissues, a mistake on part of the body's immune system which confuses the
body's own tissues as 'foreign' and organize defensive actions through the
production of antibodies. Such an immune response may have
pathological effects and lead to 'autoimmune' diseases.

Autoimmune disease: An illness that occurs when the body
cells or tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Normally, the immune system
recognize and destroy
invaders(antigens) of the body.. These include infectious agents . Patients with
autoimmune diseases have circulating auto-antibodies that are formed
against their own body elements.

According to the autoimmune
hypothesis, psoriasis may also be an autoimmune disease, where by activated T
lymphocytes (auto-antibodies) are produced against the keratinocytes, the
epidermal cells. Some other autoimmune diseases are: systemic lupus erythematosus,
rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, , juvenile
diabetes, scleroderma, Addison disease etc.

Auto antibodies: Special antibodies produced against the body's own cells
and tissues.

Basal Cell Layer: The lowest germinative layer of the
epidermis. Basal cells are responsible for producing the new squamous cells or
keratinocytes of the epidermis. This is an ongoing process.

Beta-blockers:
Medications that are commonly prescribed for lowering blood pressure,
relieving pain due to cardiac causes(angina). These drugs may trigger or
aggravate psoriasis.

Biofeedback:
A relaxation technique in which people are taught to control a few selected bodily
functions like sweating, blood pressure or heart rate, which are usually
considered involuntary. Feed back suggestions are given, and these act through
the autonomic nervous system to produce the
desired effects.

Biological
Therapies: Recently, new biological therapies have been
introduced giving new hope to people with psoriasis.
What is unique about biologic treatments is that
they pinpoint certain immune responses that are
involved in psoriasis, not the entire immune system,
thereby creating fewer side effects than
conventional immunosuppressant drugs. At present,
though, these new medications are very costly.

Biopsy: The removal of a small piece of body tissue for examination under a microscope
for the purpose of studying the histo-pathological
changes in a disease.

Black
Eye: Black eye is caused by contusion or seeping of the blood beneath
the lax skin around the eyes caused by blunt injury to the area..

:
Bruises, or contusions as
they are known in medical jargon, are the
consequence of mild bleeding under the skin.
Bruises can occur due to direct pressure or
blunt injuries to the body. Some bruises are
superficial while other are painful and
swollen.

Bulla(Syn.Blister): Localized, fluid collection,
more than 0.5 cm in diameter, a large vesicle.

: These
are also known as Aphthous ulcer or recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It
is a common disorder, characterized by recurrent, painful ulceration
of the oral mucosa. It affects around 15-20% of the population.

Candidiasis: A skin and mucous membrane infection caused by
a yeast known as Candida albicans that can occur in the skin folds, navel, vagina, penis, mouth, and nail
beds. Usually
seen in people with reduced immune status like diabetes, treatment with cortico
steroids, cancers, HIV infection etc.

Cell: A cell contains all of the genetic information it takes to make
a living being. The cell is the basic unit of the
tissues which make up the organs of the body. The cell contains a central
nucleus and surrounding cytoplasm. The cell nucleus contains 23 pairs of
chromosomes (one half of each pair is inherited from each parent) which carries
the genetic information.

Cell cycle:
This is a cyclical
process through which a newly formed cell become a mature cell. In psoriasis
the cell cycle time is reduced to 100 hours instead of the normal 200 hours.

: Chickenpox or Varicellais caused by varicella
zoster virus.The disease begins as a mild febrile disease
resembling a common cold with fever and body pain. In 1-2 days,
there is an erythematous eruption behind ears, neck and body. These
within one day bloom into itchy vesicles. These eruptions occur
successive eruptions over 3-7 days with the whole disease course
consisting of 3 to 4 such waves of eruptions.

Chromosome: Chromosomes carry the genetic
information of an individual. It is seen inside the nucleus of the cell and
consists of double strands of DNA(deoxy-ribonucleic acid). There are thought to
be more than 35,000 distinct genes in human chromosomes, each responsible for
different characteristics and disease susceptibility. Psoriasis gene resides on
chromosome 6 on its HLA arm and is known as
PSORS1 gene.

Chronic:
A condition that has a long course of
illness dotted with waxing and waning. Some are
progressively worsening types.
Most of these diseases have no cure.

Clobetasol propionate: It is a super potent
cortico steroid used in allergic and
inflammatory skin conditions. Due to potential
side effects, these should be used only under medical supervision.

: Cold sores or fever blisters
are caused by herpes simplex virus
infection. Painful eruptions of multiple grouped
vesicles are seen near the lips.

Corticosteroid: A synthetic hormone similar
to that produced naturally by the adrenal
glands. Used in allergic and inflammatory
conditions. Available in both topical, oral and
injectable preparations. Different molecules
have different strengths. Has to be used
under medical supervision only.

Cyclosporine: A medication which was originally developed to prevent the immune system from
rejecting transplanted organs. Cyclosporin has also proved useful in
treating psoriasis. Due to the immune suppressive side effects,
its
use is limited to very severe types of
psoriasis.

Coal tar: Tar distilled from bituminous coal applied to the skin to treat psoriasis. Often used
in conjunction with UV light therapy
but of limited use as it is carcinogenic on
prolonged usage..

Cytokine: These are specialized proteins which are chemical messengers used by
our immune system to communicate messages
between cells. In psoriasis, cytokines carry messages that promote inflammation
and the overly rapid proliferation of skin cells. These cytokines are released in
psoriasis skin mainly from activated T lymphocytes and keratinocytes. Examples
are Interleukin 1, Tumor Necrosing Factor (TNF-α ) etc.

: Dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that causes scaling and
flaking of the skin .

Dead Sea: A salt water lake in the Mediterranean
that has been known for centuries for its beneficial effects on
skin diseases, including psoriasis.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): The double helical structure within the
nucleus of cells which carries the genetic or hereditary information from the
parents.

Depression:
Recurring and persistent feelings of hopelessness,
helplessness, despair, and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.

Dermatologist: A skin care specialist physician who specializes in the
diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair,
nails, and mucous membranes. The dermatologists have to study further 2-3 years
after their basic medical degree to earn their postgraduate diploma or degree in
the subject.

Dermatitis : A number of skin conditions characterized by inflammation of the skin.
The cause may be either allergic or infective.

Dermis - The middle layer of skin (between the epidermis and
subcutaneous fat) which is made up of blood vessels, nerve endings, lymph
vessels, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and connective tissue.
Connective tissue of dermis consisting of collagen, elastic tissue and ground
substance formed by fibroblasts , provides the strength of the skin. The dermis
is made up of papillary, adventitial (around the appendages and vessels) and
reticular dermis. The papillary and adventitial dermis consists of fine fibers,
which are loose. The reticular dermis, in contrast, is deeper to the papillary
dermis and is composed of much coarser thick eosinophilic collagen fibers .

Eczema(Syn. Dermatitis.): Eczema is derived from the Greek meaning "a boiling out".
It consists of a group of inflammatory diseases of the skin,
characterized by oozing, crusting, and/or scaling. There is also an
eczema-type psoriasis, which is most common on the hands and feet and
is characterized by itchiness, inflammation, and painful cracks in the skin. Divided into acute, sub acute and chronic variants.

Edema: Swelling of a part of body due to the accumulation
of fluid either inside the cells or in between (intercellular space) the cells.

Emollient:
A topical application prepared of fat or oil that holds the moisture inside
and softens and soothes the skin.

Epidermis: The superficial layers of the skin, consisting of an outer, dead
layer and a deeper, living, cellular layers. Divided into 5 layers: Basal,
spinous, granular, lucid, and stratum corneum or horny layer. The
epidermis is composed of four types of cells, the majority being
keratinocytes and the minority melanocytes, Langerhans cells and neuro-endocrine
cells (Merkel cells). The keratinocytes undergo characteristic changes during
their transit through the
epidermis from the undifferentiated basal cells to fully differentiated
cornified cells. They are arranged in five layers : basal cell layer (stratum
basalis), squamous or prickle cell layer (stratum spinosum), granular cell layer
(stratum granulosum), stratum lucidum and horny cell layer (stratum corneum).
The undersurface of the
epidermis undulates with downward extensions called rete ridges or rete
pegs. They interdigitate with cone-shaped upward projections of the dermis
called dermal papillae.

Eruptions:
Lesions on the skin that are usually red, raised, and easily visible.

Erythrodermic psoriasis:
A form of psoriasis characterized by widespread reddening and
scaling of the skin often accompanied by itching or
pain. Symptoms may be precipitated by severe sunburn, use of
oral steroids, or a drug-related rash.

Erythema:
Erythema is redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the
capillaries. There are many causes and manifestations of erythema, including
photosensitivity, erythema multiforme, and erythema nodusum.

Erythema multiforme: Characterized by spots,
blisters, or other lesions on the skin and usually results from a reaction to
medications, infections, or illness.

Erythema nodosum: A form of erythema that is
accompanied by nodules, small round masses, typically on the arms and legs.

Erythematous: Redness

Erythrodermic psoriasis (Syn.Exfoliative psoriasis):
The least common form of psoriasis in which the skin of almost the entire body
becomes red and edematous, and may cause difficulty in regulating the body’s
temperature and heart rate.

Excoriation : An abraded area of the skin usually
caused by scratching.

Exocytosis: Migration of inflammatory cells in the epidermis. It is present in various
inflammatory dermatoses such as
psoriasis.

FDA: Food and Drug Administration. One of its
responsibilities includes making sure drugs are safe and efficacious
before being cleared for sale to the public.

Fish oils: Oils derived from fish that are rich in omega-3, a polyunsaturated fat often missing from many people’s diets.
Some studies show that these are beneficial in psoriasis.

Fissure:(Latin fissura, Pl.fissurae) is
a groove, natural division, deep furrow, or cleft found in the brain, spinal
cord, and liver; or a tear in the anus (anal fissure), or a fissure in the foot.
When psoriasis is severe, fissuring can occur in the lesions, especially on the
palms and soles.

Flexural psoriasis (Syn. Inverse psoriasis): Psoriasis that
occurs in the skin folds, such as the arm pits or groin, that can cause significant discomfort.

Folliculitis : An inflammation of the hair follicles due to an infection or irritation.

Gene: A unit of inheritance that contains the
instructions, or code, that a cell uses to make a specific product,
usually a protein. Genes are made of a substance called DNA. They
govern every body function and determine inherited traits passed from
parent to child.

Genetic disease: Hereditary diseases transmitted through
genes.

Genetics: The study of how diseases, conditions, and traits are inherited
through the genes. e.g.: Cystic Fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis,
lamellar icthyosis etc. Psoriasis has a genetic predisposition in that it runs
in families, and there are 25% chances of children getting psoriasis if one of
the parents has psoriasis.

Goeckerman regimen: A psoriasis treatment consisting of
crude coal tar together with UVB phototherapy, usually administered in
a hospital or a psoriasis clinic.

Grattage Test: The test of gently scrapping the surface
of psoriasis lesions to remove the scales revealing fine bleeding points. This
sign is known as Auspitz sign. This is a characteristic sign of
psoriasis.

Guttate psoriasis: A variant of psoriasis characterized by
drop-like lesions on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. It may be
triggered by viral respiratory infections or certain bacterial
(streptococcal) infections.

Guided imagery:
A way to reduce stress by focusing on suggested mental visualizations.

Herpes
Zoster (Syn.Shingles.): A common viral infection of the nerves
caused by varicella zoster virus, characterized by a painful skin rash or
eruption of small blisters on an erythematous base anywhere on the body along
the distribution of a cutaneous nerve.

Histological examination:
The study of a tissue specimen by staining it and examining it
under a microscope.

Hand/foot therapy: A treatment for psoriasis that uses
specialized ultraviolet light units on the palms of the hands and soles
of the feet.

Heredity: The transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

HLA:
Human leukocyte antigen, one of four genetic markers used to assess tissue compatibility.

Home phototherapy:
The therapeutic use of an ultraviolet light source in the home, as prescribed by a doctor.

Hormone:
A chemical substance that the body produces to regulate the activity of organs(s) or tissue(s).

Hydroxyurea: One of the older anti-cancer drugs that is
sometimes used in the treatment of psoriasis. When combined with
acitretin, it can become more effective. Either in combination or
alone, its use requires careful blood monitoring.

Hematuria: The finding of blood in the urine.

HLA complex: See 'Major histocompatibility complex'.

Histocompatibility: Literally, the ability of tissues
to get along; in immunology, it means identity in all transplantation
antigens. These antigens, in turn, are collectively referred to as
histocompatibility antigens.

Hyperkeratosis: Increased thickness of horny layer with or
without increase in the thickness of the granular cell layer.

Hyperplasia (Syn.Hyper proliferation): An increase in number of cells in a tissue. Hyperplasia
may be irregular, psoriasiform, or pseudoepitheliomatous.

Hypoalbuminemia: An abnormally low concentration of
albumin in the blood.

Hypocalcemia: Abnormally low calcium concentration, that
can result in muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, spasms, and hyperactive deep
tendon reflexes. Low blood calcium can be seen in cases of hypoparathyroidism,
low vitamin D intake, pregnancy, osteomalacia and certain kidney diseases.
Normal blood calcium should be in the range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dl.

Hypogranulosis: Decreased thickness of granular cell layer seen in conditions such as psoriasis and ichthyosis vulgaris.

Inflammation:
A characteristic reaction of tissues to injury or disease. It is
marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.

Immunity: The condition of being immune, the protection against infectious
disease conferred either by the immune response generated by immunization or
previous infection or by other nonimmunologic factors.

Inflammation: The protective response of the body’s
tissue to irritation or injury, marked by four signs—swelling, redness,
heat, and pain.

Interferons: Proteins formed when cells are exposed to
a virus or another particle of nucleic acid. Interferons can be used
therapeutically for certain diseases such as psoriasis.

Intergluteal: Between the buttocks.

Interleukins: A group of cytokines(glycoproteins) produced mainly by T cells that direct other cells to divide and
proliferate. They
also stimulate the growth and maturation of cells of the immune system.

Inverse psoriasis (Syn. Flexural psoriasis):
Psoriasis that occurs in the skin folds such as the underarm or groin
area, which can cause significant discomfort when one part of the skin
rubs against another. When this occurs in the genital area, it can
cause difficulty with sexual activities.

Incidence of disease: Rate, range or amount of occurrence
or influence of a disease. Also denote number of new years per annum, compared
to prevalence, which is the total number of cases that are present at any given
time.

Inverse Psoriasis: Smooth dry patches that are red and
inflamed, often in the folds or creases of the skin, including under the arms
and in the groin.

Isomorphic response(Syn.Koebner phenomenon): An
isomorphic reaction seen in response to trauma in previously uninvolved sites of
patients with skin diseases including psoriasis and lichen planus, typically
with lesions in a linear pattern at sites of scratching or a scar.

Leucocytes: Generic term for a white blood cell. The
family consists of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (polymorphs or neutrophils), lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils
and monocytes.

Lichenification : Thickening and pigmentation of skin
caused by chronic friction or scratching.

Lesion: An abnormal change, usually well defined, in
the structure of an organ or part of the body; caused by injury or
disease. e.g. a patch of skin affected by psoriasis.

Lithium:
A substance used in the treatment of bipolar disorder that may possibly trigger or aggravate psoriasis.

Lymphocyte: White blood cells that fight infection and
disease. Two types of lymphocytes are derived from bone marrow.
Lymphocytes of one type migrate to thymus where they differentiate and then are
dispersed to peripheral lymphoid tissue as thymus derived or T lymphocytes. They
account for 80% of the circulating lymphocytes. The other type of lymphocytes
mature in bone marrow and are designated as B lymphocytes. They account for 20%
of the circulating lymphocytes.

Macule: Macule is a flat, circumscribed skin
discoloration of less than 1 cm that is neither elevated or depressed. When the
size is more than 0.5 cm, called a patch. e.g.Vitiligo, Cafe au lait, Freckles.

Macrophage: A large phagocytic cell of the mononuclear series found
within tissues. Also called an "antigen-presenting cells," macrophages
destroy foreign antigens and initiate T cell activation.

Maintenance program:
A treatment program that is initiated to keep a disease in remission after an intensive course of therapy.

Malignant melanoma: A potentially fatal form of skin
cancer. Psoriasis patients receiving PUVA should be carefully screened
for this, even after they’ve finished their therapy; usually treatable
when detected early.

Melasma:Dark
pigmentation on the face, especially on the face of women due to increased
melanosis.

Methotrexate::One of the oldest chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer; used in the treatment of psoriasis
at lower doses..

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC): A group of
genes on chromosome 6 in humans, which code for antigens leading to rapid graft
rejection between members of a single species which differ at these
loci. Several classes of protein such as MHC class I and II proteins
are present in this region.. These in humans, are known as 'Human
leukocyte antigens' (HLA) .

Mast cell: Cells probably derived from basophils present in
tissues. Participates in 'Immediate hypersensitivity' reactions by release of
various chemical mediators like histamine responsible for allergic reactions
like urticaria or hives.

Parakeratosis: Retention of nuclei in the horny layer associated with
decrease or absence of granular cell layer seen in psoriasis.

Paronychia: A skin infection affecting the nail folds around a
finger or a toe

PASI score: Psoriasis Area Severity Index score, an assessment of psoriasis representing the size, redness, thickness, and scaliness of a
person’s psoriasis.

Patch: Flat, circumscribed skin discoloration, more than 0.5 cm in
diameter. A large macule.

Photo chemotherapy: The use of medications like the psoralens to increase
the sensitivity of skin to the UV light therapy. Used in psoriasis, vitiligo,
mycosis fungoides etc.

Photosensitivity:
Photosensitivity refers to a skin reaction in response to
the sun; it tends to occur when something, such as an infection or a medication,
increases a person's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

Phototherapy:
The use of natural or artificial UV light to treat disease.

Prevalence of disease: Prevalence means the total number
of a disease in a community or country at any given period of time. See also
incidence.

Prognosis: Prognosis is the term used to define the
normal course and outcome of a disease and chances of cure by following a
particular line of therapy.

Proteinuria: The presence of protein in urine. This
usually indicates an injury to the filtering mechanism or impending renal
failure.

Psoralen: A photosensitizing drug used in combination with UVA to treat psoriasis (also known as PUVA therapy).

Psoriasis

:
Psoriasis is a non-contagious, genetic disease that
results when faulty signals in the immune system
prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing
silvery white scales accumulate in red patches over
the skin. It often affects the elbows, knees, nails,
scalp and body folds but can appear anywhere on the
body.

Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness
and swelling in and around the joints. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with
psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.

Pus: Thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white fluid made up of dead tissue, dead bacteria, and white blood cells,
usually a sign of presence of infection.

Pustular psoriasis: A type of psoriasis characterized
by blisters of pus on the skin, usually on the palms or soles of the
feet. The pustules in psoriasis are not infectious.

Pustule: A small, circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus.

PUVA: Psoralen plus ultraviolet A is a treatment that
combines exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light with a medicine called
Psoralen. Psoralen is believed to heighten photosensitivity and
increase the skin’s response to UVA for people with moderate to severe
psoriasis.

In reference to psoriasis: A severe and
sudden change that occurs in psoriasis when systemic therapy or topical therapy
with potent steroids is
suddenly halted. This change leaves the patient’s psoriasis in a
significantly worse condition than before the treatment was started.
Rebound may also include a change in the nature of the psoriasis, for
example, from plaque to pustular form. In some cases, rebound may be
recognized early as new onset, severe and extensive erythema.

Receptor:

Structures on the surface of cells that serve as attachment
sites for other cells or signaling molecules to relay information or trigger a
reaction.

Remission: The period during which the symptoms of a disease decrease
or subside.

Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives often used in topical or oral psoriasis
and acne therapy.

Rete Pegs: The downward projection of the epidermis known as papillary
projection. These are elongated in psoriasis, alternating with the papillary
dermis.

: Rosacea,
previously called acne rosacea, is a chronic disorder of middle
age affecting the flush area of the face manifesting with
telangiectasia(dilated blood vessels), red coloration, and
papular or pustular lesions.

Rotational therapy:

A strategy in which a doctor
rotates a patient’s treatments periodically, from one to another, to
reduce toxicity and to allow for longer periods of benefit from each
agent.

A skin infestation of scabies mites characterized by severe
itching and excoriations.

Scales: Dead skin cells that look like flakes or dry skin. In
psoriasis, these are characteristically silvery white in color.

Scar : Fibrous tissue that is formed after a skin injury.

Salicylic acid : A keratolytic drug (a drug that removes the outer layer of skin) that is used to treat various skin conditions.

Sarcoidosis: An inflammation of the lymph nodes and other organs.

Scalp psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis that appears on the scalp.
It is often itchy and most visible around the ears and hairline. The
constant flaking and shedding of dead skin cells give the appearance of
severe dandruff.

SCAT: Short-contact anthralin therapy.

Sebaceous glands: Glands in the skin that secrete oil (sebum) to the surface of the skin.
Acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis are two conditions affecting the sebaceous
glands.

Shark cartilage: A food supplement thought by some to be useful in treating psoriasis.
No scientific evidence or studies are there to prove the claim.

Skin biopsy: Taking a small piece of skin to be
examined under a microscope. This procedure is usually performed with
the aid of a local anesthetic, and helps a dermatologist diagnose the type of
skin disorder.

Skin thinning: A condition in which the skin atrophies due to any variety of
causes, including overuse of topical steroids

Spongiform pustule (of Kogoj)

:Aggregates of neutrophils within the intercellular
space forming a sponge-like network in the upper layers of the epidermis.
Another characteristic feature of psoriasis.

Squamous cell carcinoma: A form of skin cancer that is
more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. People who have received
PUVA may be at risk of this type of skin cancer.

Steroids (Cortico-steroids): A synthetic
hormone similar to that produced naturally by the adrenal glands that
is available in pill, topical cream, and injectable forms.

Streptococcal sore throat (Syn. “Strep throat”): A type of bacterial infection of the throat that, in susceptible
individuals, may trigger the onset of psoriasis, usually in a form
called guttate psoriasis, especially in children. The auto antibodies produced
by Strep throat is also known to cause Rheumatic heart disease and
Glomerulonephritis in children.

Stress (Syn.Tension): Stress occurs when the demands upon an
individual cannot be met with the resources available. Stress has far reaching
effects on the body and mind. Stress is known to be a trigger for psoriasis.

Stressors: Any of a number of factors that can cause an individual to experience physical or emotional stress.

Support group: A gathering of people who share a common
concern or have a common interest. The support groups meet regularly to exchange
ideas, discuss problems and offer emotional support to each other.

Systemic: Affecting the entire body.

Systemic treatment: A treatment, such as a pill or an injection that

could affect the whole body.

Squamous cells : The primary cell types found in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin,
also called keratinocytes.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis(Syn. Severe Dandruff): An
inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by increased sebum secretion
and yeast infection, scaling, flaking and itching. Commonly seen on the scalp
face, front and back of chest.

Signs: What the doctor finds and describes as the clinical presentation of a
disease

Symptoms: What the patient complains of.

Spongiosis: Intercellular edema or swelling between the squamous cells of
the epidermis resulting in widened intercellular spaces.

Squamous Cell Layer:

Normal
cellular layer of the epidermis above the basal layer.

Stratum Corneum: Upper most horny layer of the epidermis.
Consists of dead cells.

Subungual: Below the nail

S

quamous cell carcinoma:A form of skin cancer that affects
about 20 percent of patients with skin cancer. This highly treatable
cancer is characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open sore.

S

ubcutis
:The deepest layer of skin; also known as the subcutaneous layer.

Tazarotene: Vitamin A topical medication for the treatment of psoriasis.

Telangiectasia: Dilatation of blood vessels mostly of venules but also of capillaries and arterioles. This can become evident beneath
the thinned epidermis due to prolonged application of topical corticosteroids.

Tinea versicolor

:
A common
superficial fungal skin infection characterized by white or light brown
scaly patches on the skin.

T cells(Syn.T lymphocytes): Cells that either initiate the immune response (helper T
cells) or actively target and destroy cells perceived as foreign (killer T
cells). The T lymphocytes play an important role in normal cutaneous immune
surveillance and in delayed hypersensitivity reaction. T lymphocytes are
activated through the presentation of antigens by Antigen presenting cells(APC)
or macrophages. They then release chemical messengers known as cytokines, which
are responsible for a wide range of cellular and vascular inflammatory responses
seen in diseases like psoriasis.

T-cell receptors:

Molecules on the surface of T cells that are the
sites for macrophages to "present" antigens to the T cell and trigger an immune
response.

Tretinoin

:
A drug which is chemically related to vitamin A; used to treat acne and other scaly skin disorders.

Thrombocytopenia:

A disorder sometimes associated with
abnormal bleeding in which the number of platelets (cells that help
blood to clot) is abnormally low.

Topical agent: A treatment such as a cream, salve, or ointment that is applied to the surface of the skin.

Toxicity: The potential of a drug or treatment to cause harmful side effects.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF): One of the cytokines, or messengers, known to be fundamental to the
disease process that underlies psoriasis. It often plays a key role in
the onset and the continuation of skin inflammation.

Urticaria (Syn. hives.): A condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin -
usually as an allergic reaction from food, medications, contact allergy,
infections etc. Most often, a cause could not be identified.

Ultraviolet (UV) light: The type of light that emanates
directly from the sun. It is classified into three categories according
to wavelength: UVC, UVB, and UVA. Ultraviolet light can also be
simulated from artificial light sources. This is an effective
treatment for psoriasis and vitiligo.

UVB phototherapy: Treatment involving measured doses of
UV light in the UVB wavelength. Two types are broadband UVB, and the
less common narrow-band UVB. Indicated for moderate to severe
psoriasis, UVB treatment can reduce the abnormal growth of skin cells
and can lessen inflammation.

Dr.Hanish Babu, MD is an
Indian Dermatologist & Venereologist practicing in Ajman, UAE.
He is the author of the well known Stress Management e-Book
package online 10 Days to
Stress FreeLife and a net-entrepreneur. He is also a certified
hypnotist, stress management trainer and personality development
trainer. He edits half a dozen web sites on the above subjects. He is
also the Web Editor of the
AKMG Emirates(
Association of Kerala Medical Graduates, UAE Chapter).

You may reproduce the
articles by Dr.Hanish Babu on your web pages without making any changes
whatsoever. The article should be reproduced in toto, not in part. The
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